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Hickenlooper, Maes agree to 9 debates

DENVER — Colorado gubernatorial candidates John Hickenlooper and Dan Maes say they’ll stick to the issues as they prepare for nine debates before Election Day.

Hickenlooper and Maes, who are the Democratic and Republican nominees, respectively, issued a joint statement today pledging to avoid personal attacks and to debate Colorado issues at nine debates and at other, smaller forums.

The statement didn’t mention Tom Tancredo, the American Constitution Party candidate. It did say any invitation to a third-party candidate would be up to debate sponsors.

“We have every intention of being at every debate,” said Tancredo campaign spokesman Guy Blasi.

Tancredo participated in a three-way debate last week.

“Coloradans are sick and tired of the personal attacks that tend to typify election season,” Maes said in the statement.

Hickenlooper, Denver’s mayor, was unopposed for the Democratic nomination to replace Gov. Bill Ritter, who is leaving after one term.

Maes, an Evergreen businessman and tea party favorite, defeated former U.S. Rep. Scott McInnis for the GOP nomination.

Tancredo, also a former U.S. congressman, bolted from the GOP to mount his own bid.